All you need to know about Bonfire Night

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You may have already heard about the Bonfire Night, you may know it by another name (it’s also called Fireworks Night and Guy Fawkes Night), or you may not know it at all. In this blog we’ll take a closer look at why and how we celebrate this November tradition here in the United Kingdom.

You may have already heard about the Bonfire Night, you may know it by another name (it’s also called Fireworks Night and Guy Fawkes Night), or you may not know it at all. In this blog we’ll take a closer look at why and how we celebrate this November tradition here in the United Kingdom.

History

In England Bonfire Night is called ‘Guy Fawkes Night’, it’s held on the 5th of November, and celebrates the failure of an attempt to assassinate the King and blow up the houses of parliament in London.

Guy Fawkes was part of the ‘Gunpowder Plot’ group and he was arrested in 1605 having placed explosives under the House of Lords. The unfortunate Guy was later tried and executed along with seven other members of the Plot.

The rhyme

There is a traditional rhyme often recited on the day:

“Remember, remember, the 5th of November
The Gunpowder Treason and plot;
I see of no reason why Gunpowder Treason
Should ever be forgot.”

“Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes,
'Twas his intent.
To blow up the King and the Parliament.
Three score barrels of powder below.
Poor old England to overthrow.”

Modern day celebrations

In the UK, November the 5th is a happy occasion and still celebrated by many people, with bonfires and fireworks displays a very common sight around the country. If you’re a fan of fireworks, we recommend visiting the town of Lewes (near Brighton) for the biggest Bonfire Night in the country. There are lively parades with bonfire societies leading the celebrations and an epic firework display to finish it all off!